Student Resources

Internship: Available for students who are residents of Georgia and accepted into the Department’s internship program. Students must agree to intern with a member of the Georgia Congressional delegation in Washington D.C.

Student must be accepted into the Department’s internship program and agree to intern with a Georgia member of Congress for a summer internship.

First preference shall go to a female student in the Department who is a single mother of a child under the age of 18. Second preference shall go to any female student in the Department. Third preference shall go to any major. Students may be at any class level with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

Applicants must be a beginning graduate student, regularly admitted to a graduate program in the Department, and for whom at least two years have passed since being awarded an undergraduate degree. The award of the scholarship will make a great economic difference between being able or unable to begin graduate school. The student must have high academic credentials.

Award should be given to students pursuing a degree in Political Science. The award may be given to outstanding seniors or to graduate level students.

Ashley Archer Doehling graduated Cum Laude from Georgia Southern University in 2018 as a University Honors Program Scholar with a degree in Political Science, also earning minors in Computer Science and Graphic Design. Ashley then moved to Tallahassee, FL to pursue her master’s degree in higher education at Florida State University. Originally from Leesburg, GA, Ashley currently serves as the Curriculum Initiative Analyst at Kennesaw State University and is a Doctoral Candidate in the Higher Education Ph.D. program at Florida State University. In her free time, Ashley enjoys traveling, reading, and language learning.

The Political Science and International Studies Department’s commitment to academic rigor prepared her for graduate school following her graduation from Georgia Southern University. She was equipped to manage the expectations associated with the graduate level of academic study and submit quality work. The mentorship she received from Political Science and International Studies faculty was instrumental in supporting her grad school search and she continues to connect with and treasures her relationships with those mentors in the years since her graduation.

Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn

Melissa (MA ’19 & BA ’15) started her career in the legal field as a Data Analyst in the Financial Litigation Unit at the US Attorney’s Office in Savannah, Georgia.  She then transitioned into a role working as a Paralegal and Firm Administrator at a boutique litigation firm in Charleston, SC.  She is currently the Litigation & Compliance analyst for Sonepar, one of the world’s largest electrical distributors.  Melissa is currently applying to law schools.  She hopes to become a litigation attorney working on commercial and employment & labor law matters.   

Melissa credits the research and analytical skills she cultivated in earning both of her degrees to helping her work as an analyst and pivot into the legal field.  She also maintains professional relationships with faculty in the Department of Political Science & International Studies, along with relationships to fellow alumni.  These relationships have been critical to her success.  She welcomes communication from other Eagles, as she has been known to advocate for and assist other graduates from Georgia Southern University in their careers.

She and her husband, Holton (’18), along with their two dogs, currently live in Charleston, SC.  Melissa is a distance runner and an avid reader.  She and her family enjoy spending time outside, enjoying the water and beautiful sights around town.

Pearson Gardner is the Head of HR at Ohio Ordnance Works, a leading designer and manufacturer of defense systems. In this role, he oversees HR strategy and operations, drawing on his deep experience in manufacturing HR. Before joining Ohio Ordnance Works in 2024, Pearson held progressive leadership roles at Eaton Corporation. As a Human Resources Business Partner there, he worked closely with senior finance leaders on organizational design, talent management, and performance development.

Pearson’s journey in HR began at Georgia Southern University, where he pursued a double major in Political Science and French, driven by a curiosity about people and the world. This experience sharpened his critical thinking and analytical skills, which have become core to his HR approach. A study abroad program in Bordeaux, France, broadened his perspective, laying the groundwork for his global outlook. Later, he earned a Master’s in Industrial Labor Relations from West Virginia University, with additional studies in international business at the University of Strasbourg.

Now based in Chardon, Ohio, with his wife and two children, Pearson brings a well-rounded, global perspective to his role. His experiences across six states, paired with his solid foundation in political science and international studies, continue to shape his approach to creating inclusive and dynamic workplace cultures.

Tony Hudson is a career member of the U.S. Foreign Service at the Department of State. Hudson currently serves as a Political Officer within the Bureau of Counterterrorism and leads policy efforts for Western Europe and Southern Africa. He previously served as an Economic Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, Pakistan and as a Consular Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai, Karachi. Throughout his tenure, Hudson has worked on issues related to environment, health, science, technology, immigration, political economy, and security. Hudson graduated from Georgia Southern University and the Honors College in 2017 with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Arabic language. Following graduation, Hudson became a Charles B. Rangel International Fellow and graduated with a Master of International Affairs degree in International Relations from the Pennsylvania State University School of International Affairs. His languages include Spanish, Arabic, and Farsi.

Megan Khoo currently serves as a Research and Policy Advisor for Hong Kong Watch in London. Prior to this role, Megan completed her Masters in Chinese Politics at Oxford University after working in Congress and at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Megan double majored in International Studies and Modern Languages (Spanish and Mandarin Chinese) at Georgia Southern University. She was involved in the Honors College, Greek life, Office of Leadership and Community Engagement, and student ministry. The foundation she built at Georgia Southern University and her experience studying abroad in China paved the path for her to be where she is today.

Charlotte McDonald is a Senior Analyst – Geopolitical Analysis and Intelligence at United Airlines where she works in Aviation and Corporate Security. She has previous experience as an Intelligence Analyst at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and as a Geopolitical Analyst at Meta. She received her Bachelor’s Degrees in International Studies and German from Georgia Southern University in 2017. During her time at Georgia Southern University, she was a member of the Honors College, worked as a Resident Advisor in on-campus student housing, and studied abroad twice in Germany. After graduation from Georgia Southern University, she attended the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and received her Master’s Degree in International Affairs.

The Department of Political Science and International Studies at Georgia Southern University was instrumental in shaping her interests and providing her the knowledge to become an intelligence analyst in both the federal government and private sector. The wide selection of course offerings and expertise of faculty provided her ample opportunity, knowledge, and resources to explore future career paths. The faculty in the Department were unmatched in their willingness and ability to mentor her through her education and beyond. The relationships that she formed during my time in the Department of Political Science and International Studies continue to be impactful to her today.

Kelsey Odom is the Vice President of Government Relations at NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, advocating on behalf of the cable industry on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining NCTA, Kelsey served on President Biden’s 2020 campaign as the Colorado GOTV Operations Director.  She previously was the Director of Political Affairs at the Consumer Technology Association where she also advanced their ‘Future of Work’ policy initiatives. Odom began her career in DC working for Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) and then served as a political consultant for over a dozen federal congressional candidates while at Kieloch Consulting and The Frost Group. Kelsey holds a master’s in business administration from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Georgia Southern University.

The Political Science Department at Georgia Southern University was instrumental in shaping Kelsey’s career journey. Without the guidance of Professor Kevin Cook, who taught her introductory Political Science course, she would never have envisioned a future in politics. Professor Cook single-handedly altered the trajectory of her career. His compelling lectures and infectious passion for the subject left a lasting impact. Following his course, Kelsey not only declared Political Science as her major but also sought Professor Cook as her advisor. Together, they successfully revitalized the previously dormant Political Science Club.

In 2008, Kelsey participated in the Eagles in D.C. Program and was awarded the Bo and Gloria Ginn Scholarship, a recognition that provided support during her internship with Statesboro’s former congressman, the Honorable John Barrow (GA-12). This experience was a turning point, leading to a subsequent full-time role with the campaign consulting firm representing Congressman Barrow. 

The opportunities presented by Georgia Southern University’s Political Science Department were transformative, steering Kelsey towards her true life’s passion.  And to this day, she considers Professor Cook a trusted mentor and friend.

Josh graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2014 with a degree in International Studies and minors in Political Science and Foreign Languages. He currently works for the United States Department of State as the coordinator of the Community Liaison Office in Melbourne, Australia. Prior positions in the State Department have included the Political and Military Affairs Office for Europe in Washington DC, the Executive Office of the US Mission to Belgium, and the Political Office of the US Mission to the European Union. 

Before moving into State Department life, Josh worked in the Public Affairs and Crisis section of Burson-Marsteller (now Burson, Cohn, and Wolfe.) He joined Burson after six months of being a Field Organizer in the 2016 Presidential election. Josh graduated from American University with a Master’s in International Affairs in 2014 where he interned in non-profits as well as the US Senate. 

Josh credits the Department of Political Science and International Studies for shaping his view of the world. He believes that a degree in International Studies should not only teach you facts but should train you to view societal and political issues as interconnected and global in nature. He also credits the Model UN team at Georgia Southern University for giving him the basic tenets of diplomacy that he still uses daily. 

Josh currently lives in Melbourne, Australia with his husband and Leo the Diplocat.

Originally from Cordele GA, Justin has made Statesboro his home since 2013. He served in the US Army for six years, before deciding to pursue his undergraduate degree in Political Science and his Masters of Public Administration at Georgia Southern University. After graduating with a degree in Political Science in 2015, he immediately pursued his MPA, which he completed in 2017. He began working at the City of Statesboro in the Planning & Code Enforcement Divisions. Since working at the City, Justin has been promoted to Planner, Planner II, Senior Planner and Planning & Housing Administrator. He now oversees the municipal housing rehabilitation program and general development of the City.

Since graduating from Georgia Southern University in 2013 as a University Honors student with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and biology, Jana Wright (Simmons) has spent a decade working in policy and government affairs. Jana is the Director of Policy at Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity and access, with over 25 years of experience in California’s health policy arena. Before joining ITUP, she was the Director of Policy for the West region at Unite Us, a social care technology company. Jana also served as the Director of Policy at LA Best Babies Network and coordinated the Los Angeles County Perinatal and Early Childhood Home Visitation Consortium. In these roles, she spearheaded the establishment of the first Home Visiting Day in Los Angeles County and supported the nation’s largest home visiting initiative for pregnant and parenting families. Her earlier career includes positions as a Senior Policy Analyst at WellCare Health Plans and a Legislative Assistant at Mixon and Associates, a boutique lobbying firm specializing in health and education. Jana earned her master’s degree in public health from the University of Southern California. Raised in rural southwest Georgia, she now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.